In this week’s guest post Karen Wise shares her expertise as an Organisational Development Consultant and Coaching Psychologist about starting a new job.
5 Tips when starting a new job
By Karen Wise
Starting a new job is never easy. There’s lots of “new” things – new colleagues, new environment, new boss, and generally new ways of doing things.
But how often do you think about the fact that You are the “new” person? Whilst you’re on a massive learning curve about your new organisation and role, the people around you are also learning about who you are, how you think, your behaviours and responses to the every-day things that occur in the office.
It’s just as important that they learn the right things about you as you are inducted into the organisation.
Because of the nature of my work I’m always the “new” person – so I have developed a few techniques to help me. Below are a few tips to think about when you next start a new job and how to make the most of it:
1) Pictures of Family & Friends.
Most workplaces allow you to bring in personal items such as photos of your family, your friends. I often bring in a recent picture that my kids have drawn and I find that it’s a great ice-breaker. Asking someone about these pictures is an easy way to start a conversation with new colleagues and a way to get to know them better beyond the job they do.
2) What are you good at?
It may be that you’ve able to manage difficult conversations with irate customers; or you’re able to touch-type at 90+ wpm. Find opportunities within the first few days of starting your new job to demonstrate this skill.
3) Give positive feedback:
In the first few weeks you’ll come across a lot of new and different things. If you see, hear or learn about something that you find interesting – tell them. If you like the way that someone does something – tell them. People like getting feedback when it’s compliment and it also highlights to them about what you like or enjoy too.
4) “The Test”.
It’s very likely that in the first few days or you’ll be given a particularly important job or task to do. View this as “The Test”. Think carefully about what’s required; ask questions if you need to clarify your understanding of what’s required; put extra effort in to ensure that you do this job to the highest standard possible; and make sure you do it within the required timeframe.
5) Lastly, believe in yourself.
Always remember that you were recruited to the post because your boss believed that you could do the job. You will probably have many doubts within the first few days or weeks about whether or not you’re good enough. When you have these thoughts just stop. And remember. You were recruited because you have the potential to do really well in this job. Believe in yourself.
About the Author/Further Resources
Karen Wise, MCIPD is an Organisational Development Consultant and Coaching Psychologist, with over 12 years’ experience of working in Human Resources roles up to and including Director level within the NHS in the UK. Karen now runs her own consultancy and coaching business, with a particular interest in outplacement coaching. She is also currently undertaking a Masters Degree in Coaching Psychology at the University of East London. You can follow Karen on twitter (karenwise) and read her weekly blog on working in HR in the NHS at www.karenwise.wordpress.com
Some very sound advice, and should get you up and running. I would add one other tip, regarding managing upwards. It’s wise to find out quickly what your line manager’s expectations of your role is ( the job description is rarely an accurate measure). To do this, book a half hour in your manager’s diary for the end of the week, to review progress. Follow this up with a short written summary of your week and send it in advance of the meeting (for example, have the meeting at 3pm on a Friday, make sure the summary is in their inbox for 08:30 that morning.
Doesn’t have tobe much, just:
What you’ve learnt, who you’ve met, outstanding actions for the following week. What you think are the priority tasks. Last, but most important question: “how am i doing?”. Ask if they’d like a summary every week. Chances are they need to complete some paperwork for your probationary period. Having your summaries will make their job easier and refresh their memory.
This might sound overkill, but you are setting up a relationship with the person whose expectations matter. It could save you a lot of hassle later on.